Bice told Trisha Crain, a Hoover resident who is helping lead the push to restore public school bus service, that he spoke with Hoover school officials Wednesday because he knows there's an even greater concern about the issue now than there was previously.

"We're in a unique place that makes it somewhat precarious for the state department in that city systems aren't required to provide transportation, so the fact that they've made the decision not to is theirs to make," Bice said in a recorded interview.

However, Bice said it is still his responsibility to consider the safety and welfare of students. "That will be my major focus as this plays out ... to make sure that the safety and welfare of kids is the predominant decision maker," he said.

Bice said Hoover parents who are upset about the issue are doing exactly what they need to do in a democracy - express their concerns. However, parents should also be coming forward with viable solutions, he said.

"Sometimes the folks that are trying to make the best decisions they can have exhausted the ones they have available," Bice said. "So I would urge parents as they express their concerns, which they well have the right to do, also to come with viable solutions to be considered."

Bice said he is having conversations with the Justice Department so that school officials and the Justice Department are sharing information to be able to help make the best decision possible.

Malissa Valdes-Hubert, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Education, said the Justice Department contacted Bice. "We did not call them or specifically ask for involvement," she said.